From Different Generations: Marilyn & Johnny’s Story of Friendship at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s)

Despite being about seven decades apart in age, Marilyn Smith, 89 and Johnny Horton, 21 have formed a friendship through volunteering at Parkwood Institute Main Building (Parkwood Institute) General Store.

Johnny participated in Project SEARCH, a program designed to help young adults with disabilities transition into the workforce.  

After completing the program, Johnny struggled to find work.  One day, while out in the community, he ran into Randa Kristensen, an Associate with the Volunteer Services team.  

Randa invited him to volunteer at the General Store one day per week to help him build additional skills. Johnny agreed, and a new chapter of skill building and friendship began.

He was paired with Marilyn, a long-time volunteer who  has been giving her time and heart to the gift shop for over 25 years.  

“I started here in March 2025 and I love it here,” Johnny shares.  

Marilyn’s connection to St. Joseph’s began before her time volunteering. Her husband, a veteran, passed away at Parkwood Institute in 1999 from prostate cancer, after a 10-month stay.

“I got to know the woman in charge of the store at the time,” Marilyn recalls. “She knew I had sales experience and that’s how I started. I’ve been here ever since.”

Since being paired together, Marilyn has taught Johnny to use the cash register—something he now does with growing confidence. “She taught me about the money, taking it out, pressing the buttons,” he says. “She’s very nice and  helps a lot of people. She helped me.”

And the help goes both ways. Johnny supports Marilyn with physical tasks like retrieving inventory and giftware from the basement storage room.

Johnny also enjoys the simplicity of just hanging out with Marilyn every Wednesday.

Their relationship has grown into a genuine friendship. Marilyn shares fresh produce from a farm outside of town with Johnny. “She gives me tomatoes and corn.” Johnny says.

Marilyn adds, “It's the best corn you’ll ever taste.”

For both volunteers, the gift shop is more than a place to work—it’s a place to connect. Marilyn especially enjoys reconnecting with familiar faces from the community.  

“People I knew from the Grand Theatre, from around the city, even retired staff come in and say hello. That’s my favorite part—talking to people.”

Johnny is just happy to be part of it all. “I enjoy it here very much,” he says. “It makes me feel good to help.”

Marilyn and Johnny’s story reminds us that meaningful connections can form in the most unexpected places.  

At Parkwood Institute, they’ve built a partnership that bridges generations and celebrates the power of community.